Muellerolimon facts for kids

The Muellerolimon salicorniaceum is a special plant that grows in salty places in Western Australia. It's the only type of plant in its group, called Muellerolimon. This plant is a succulent, which means it can store water, and it can be a small herb or a shrub.

What Does it Look Like?

This plant can grow straight up or spread out. It can be as short as 10 centimetres (about 4 inches) or as tall as 1 metre (about 3 feet). Its leaves are very small, like tiny scales that wrap around the plant's stem joints. The flowers are white and grow in clusters at the very end of the stems. After the flowers, the plant produces a small fruit that looks like a nut.

Where Does it Grow?

The Muellerolimon salicorniaceum loves to grow in coastal areas of Western Australia. You can find it in muddy areas near the ocean, like salt marshes and mudflats. Most of these plants have been found along the coast between Geraldton and Broome. Some have also been seen further south near Perth and along the south coast near Esperance. Surprisingly, a few have even been found far inland, near a place called Wiluna.

How it Survives in Salty Places

This plant is a special type called a halophyte. This means it is very good at growing in soil that has a lot of salt. Most plants cannot survive in such salty conditions, but the Muellerolimon salicorniaceum is built to handle it. Scientists do not think this plant is in danger of disappearing.